Ethics, Standards, and Practice Guidelines for Diversity-Centered Psychological Assessment (3.5 CEs)

Abstract

Ethical codes, testing standards, and practice guidelines impact the ways in which psychological tests are developed, standardized, selected, administered, and interpreted .Increasing controversies around the use of psychological assessment practices with respect to diversity, fairness, intersectionality, and cultural context are reported as central by professional organizations and marginalized and oppressed communities. Large scale assessments used as gatekeepers to educational opportunities as well as psychological measures used to diagnose, determine interventions, and measure effectiveness and outcomes face challenges of systemic bias against marginalized and oppressed communities. This workshop presents an ethical and best practices framework for the assessment process integrating current guidelines and standards. In addition, complementary models of cultural competence and cultural humility are presented as a backdrop for discussion of contextual factors in relation to the usage of the most popular assessment. Tools to be used to gather relevant background information will also be highlighted (e. g., culturally based interview protocols). Application of an assessment framework will be a critical piece of this workshop as participants will engage in discussion around particular assessment cases. This is an introductory workshop designed for new professionals as well as those interested in re-conceptualizing the assessment process through exploration of standards of assessment focusing on a cultural lens.   

Presenter

Goals & Objectives

1. Participants will be able to explain the impact of ethical standards and testing and practice guidelines as they pertain to psychological assessment. 
2. Participants will identify complementary aspects of cultural competence and cultural humility in relation to the assessment process. 
3. Participants will be able to describe how controversies and cultural challenges to the most popular cognitive and personality measures continue to impact contemporary assessment practices. 
4. Participants will learn ways to gather and integrate information regarding diverse identities as part of the assessment process. 
5. Participants will be able to identify strengths and limitations of current psychological assessment procedures assessment and measures. 
6. Participants will apply cultural/diversity frameworks to specific cases to be provided by the presenters.